Remington 887 or 870?

[hargroderauto]

I am looking into buying one of these shotguns for my son for xmas present. We already have an 870 express 20 ga, which has been a great gun, but we handled an 887 at the gun shop and was wondering which is the better gun. The gun will be used mostly for upland birds and clays every once in a while. Any advice would be appreciated.

[EdInk]

I like my 870 better than any other pump shotgun on the market. The 887 felt a little "funny" because of the way certain parts are shaped.

Take your son to the store and let him see what he likes better.

[zippy13]

The gun will be used mostly for upland birds and clays every once in a while.

Why are you considering the 887 Nitro Mag? It's inappropriate for both. Of course, I'm guessing you don't have any clays or upland birds that require a 3-1/2 inch mag load.

[hargroderauto]

Zippy, the reason why I am considering the 887 is when he's older, he may choose to hunt turkey or ducks.

[zippy13]

hargroderauto,
Isn't a 12-ga 3-inch mag enough for turkey and ducks? In previous threads on the 3-1/2-inch mag, IIRC, most folks would opt for a heavier 10-ga instead of shooting a very hard kicking 12-ga 3-1/2-inch pump.

Actually, I cut my first reply short, my first concern was to get you to think very seriously before you got a 3-1/2-inch 12-ga pump gun. Now, I'm going to step two, and suggest you forget about another pump and look into an auto or O/U gun.

Except for American trap, the clay games all require a quick second shot. If you are going to do any clay target shooting, a pump is a hindrance. Of course, there are those who claim they can shoot a pump just as well as an auto; but, I've never seen one in the winner's circle.

IMHO, there are two types of clay shooters: Those who want to shoot the best they can (I've never seen anyone who wasn't excited by their 25-straight). Then, there's those who don't shoot enough to learning anything beyond familiarizing themselves with a specific gun (typically just before hunting season, or just after buying a new HD gun). If you or you son might find yourself wanting to try to do your best with clays (and upland birds), then I recommend an auto or O/U for your next gun purchase. Whatever you select, your son is in for a great Christmas.

[hargroderauto]

Zippy, our price range is no more than $350. We don't shoot clays competitively but go out in the pasture and I use a hand thrower for this. after handling the 887 I just can't get used to all the plastic. My son really wanted a synthetic 870 after using one for dove hunting a couple of weeks ago, but when he saw the 887 he wasn't sure. I think I will convince him to take the 870. To get a good o/u would be out of our budget, same for an autoloader.

[PJR]

A definite vote here for the 870. I recently won an 887 at a shoot and was appalled with the gun. Very rough action, poorly fitted with loads of machine marks on the breach and in the barrel.

[Irish B]

Can't beat a good ol 870. Got a new one at Bass Pro a year ago for $300 maybe.

[bigghoss]

with the polymer coating and 3 1/2" chamber it seems like the 887 was designed more for waterfoul.

[Bamashooter]

my 870 is an express super mag and it was the first gun i bought when i got married in 1992. i have used it to dove hunt, quail hunt, turkey hunt, and deer hunt. i have used all shell sizes at one time or another. havent always needed them but i had them when i did. mine has synthetic stock and a flat, matte type finish, 26'' barrel. just get some chokes and have fun.

[idek]

In case you haven't already decided, I'll cast my vote for the 870 as well.